General Motors Co. Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson and his wife, Karin, kicked off the drive with a $1 million gift.

The program, called "Leaders to ReBuild Detroit," will focus on an east side area called Morningside Commons, Habitat for Humanity said. One aim is to help at least 500 families by 2014 through house construction, rehabilitation, critical repairs, and energy-efficiency upgrades and weatherization projects.

"A strong America is built on strong communities, and building them starts with one hammer, one nail and one person who cares - from there, it's contagious," Akerson said in a statement. He said he and his wife "want to see this effort to rebuild Detroit catch on, spread out and draw scores more volunteers and millions more in contributions."

The effort is part of Habitat for Humanity's statewide $225 million ReBuild Michigan campaign.

"It will take a community-wide effort to ensure the success of 'Leaders to ReBuild Detroit,'" said Vincent Tilford, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Detroit. "It can be another major step in the collective effort to rebuild this great city - one neighborhood at a time."